Scincidae

Scincidae View in CoL ( Fig. 45G–N View Figure 45 )

The general shape of the splenial of European scincids is similar to that of lacertids, but some differences are present. The two foramina are shifted towards the anterior end of the bone and the anterior inferior one is not closed anteriorly, forming a narrow (wide in Ophiomorus punctatissimus ; Fig. 45K, L View Figure 45 ) and very deep notch. The dorsal crest runs ventrally to, and not by, the dorsal margin, whereas the medial one is shifted towards the ventral margin. In Ophiomorus punctatissimus , the dorsal crest is reduced to a small hint located dorsally to the anterior notch ( Fig. 45K View Figure 45 ). The ventral margin is straighter in medial view than the one of lacertids (which is rather convex) and the posterior portion of the dorsal margin is wavy in Chalcides ( Fig. 45I, J View Figure 45 ), straight in Ophiomorus punctatissimus ( Fig. 45K, L View Figure 45 ) and convex in Tr. aurata ( Fig. 45M, N View Figure 45 ). The same margin is concave in lacertids. Ablepharus kitaibelii has a reduced, thin and blade-like splenial, with pointed anterior and posterior ends ( Fig. 45G, H View Figure 45 ). A deep and wide notch, representing the anterior inferior foramen, is visible on the dorsal margin of its anterior end, whereas the anterior mylohyoid foramen is represented by a small notch located roughly at midlength of the ventral margin. Both the medial and the lateral surfaces of the splenial of Ab. kitaibelii are smooth.